The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Umoja Program hosted the second annual Black Grad Celebration in partnership with Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) and Goleta Union School District (GUSD) April 28 at SBCC’s West Cliff Campus Student Services Courtyard.

The event brought together more than 300 community members who honored more than 100 Black identifying graduates from transitional kindergarten (TK) to SBCC graduates from Gaviota to Carpinteria.

“Today, we gather to celebrate not just the completion of an academic journey, but also the persistence, resilience, and unyielding spirit of our Black graduates,” SBCC Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas told the graduates.

Student wearing cap and gown and brightly colored skirt and top smiles as she walks by. (David Kafer for SBCC)
100 Black-identifying graduates participated in SBCC’s Umoja Program celebration. (David Kafer for SBCC)

“Each of you has not only pursued academic excellence but has also enriched your campus with vibrant cultural contributions and invaluable perspectives,” she said.

The event included an opening performance by the Daansekou Cultural Arts Collective; an Umoja Ritual & Community welcome by SBCC Umoja coordinator Lelia Richardson and Umoja student Sabrina Machira; keynote address from James Joyce III; a letter for future Umoja students by Ambrose Igbechi and Beverlyn Amoh; and closing by Akil Hill, SBCC Senior Admissions and Records specialist and co-founder of the SBCC Black Faculty and Staff Association.

“As part of our Umoja Ritual, we ask the community to invite our ancestors into the space,” said Richardson. Guests then shared the names of loved ones, historical figures, and important local leaders who have passed, as she and Umoja student Sabrina Machira poured water into the Umoja plant.

A person wearing a black shirt with the words 'BLACK ALL DAY EVERYDAY' on the back stands up in the audience looking toward a speaker at the front. (David Kafer for SBCC)
The Umoja Program at SBCC supports the integration of African American culture into academics and support services. (David Kafer for SBCC)

Umoja, a Kiswahili word meaning “unity,” is a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of Black, African American and other disproportionately impacted students.

Umoja believes students’ education is enhanced by integrating African American culture into academics and support services.

The Umoja community at SBCC is committed to the academic success, personal growth and self-actualization of students, and aims to support the Black and African American student community.

Umoja Scholars at SBCC have access to a dedicated Umoja Village space, academic counseling, specialized English, math, and other general education courses, leadership development, transfer support services, and culturally relevant enrichment activities.

Highlighting the event was the presentation of students from TK to SBCC, where more than 100 students received kente clothes and certificates from SBCC, SBUSD,and GUSD leadership.

“Wow, thank you Santa Barbara for showing out,” said Hill in response to the large crowd. “We are so excited to see so many people here today and can’t wait for years to come as we will only get bigger and better.”

The Daansekou Cultural Arts Collective with its drumming beat then led the Black Grad Celebration from SBCC’s Student Services Courtyard to the Umoja Village lawn where they enjoyed food from Shalhoob’s and Momma’s Soul Food Fusion and music from DJ Tim Stone, along with games and community.

“The celebration of our Black/African American community was truly inspiring last weekend,” said SBUSD Superintendent Hilda Maldonado. “It was beautiful to see families beam with pride as their students’ academic success was celebrated.

“We are so proud of their accomplishments and must continue the work to ensure our Black/African American students are supported both inside and outside the classroom.”